Goa Churches
Goa that pulsates with life and the cadence of the disco at night, overflows with gaiety and leisure will surely place you in a different and contrasting mood in the mornings. While you tap your foot to the rhythm at night, wake yourself up to the euphonical chimes at the church in Goa. As you hang around with your friends at night, engage yourself in a silent pray before Jesus, in the morning. Goa definitely provides you with great opportunity to discover the antique streets of Christianity.
Goa served as a strong political and religious base at the time of Portuguese rule. With the encouragement from the Portuguese government, the missionaries soon started building convents along with churches. This resulted in an overflow in the various architectural activities in Goa. The Portuguese and the Italian architects started designing churches in Goa on similar lines as that of Baroque architecture of Rome. This is how various monuments and churches came up in Goa. From 18th century onwards, these beautiful works of art started ruining owing to natural calamities. Few churches exist in Goa even today that bears the testimony of erstwhile grandeur.
The Goa churches serves as fine examples of European architecture that interests both the foreigners and the Indians. The churches in Goa carry with them the stamp of the rich cultural, social and religious life of Goa.
Located in Old Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus is only 10 km from Panjim. This spectacular church in Goa deserves a World Heritage Site status. This church is popular for it has preserved St. Francis Xavier‘s mortal remains. St. Francis Xavier was a member of the Society of Jesus, who came to India for spreading Christianity. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the 1st minor cathedral in India.
Bom Jesus means “Good Jesus” and the church was established in about 1695. Among the richest churches in Goa, Bom Jesus church also happens to be a major milestone in the Christian historical legacy.
Both the exteriors and interiors of the church are extravagantly and beautifully decorated. White marble floor and the semi precious stones add to the beauty. The altar has been wrapped in gold. With a height of 54 feet and a breadth of 30 feet, the church has been constructed in Mosaic-Corinthian style and won’t fail to charm you.
Church of Mary Immaculate Conception
Situated in the center of the city of Panaji in Goa, Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is among the oldest churches in Goa. Come and feel the blessings at the church and wonder at the architectural pleasures. The decoration of the church although simple yet exudes beauty and charm. It is supposed that this church was rebuilt in the year 1619 from an older church.
The beat time to visit the church is after the sunset when the church looks amazingly stunning as it is lit up with innumerable light bulbs offering it a blissful look. The church is the perfect example of simplicity and elegance. There are 2 alters dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary and Jesus Christ. Further there are 2 marble statues of St Peter and St Paul and also a chapel of St. Francis Xavier. The monument can be seen in its full splendor during the evenings.
Reis Magos Church
Located on the banks of the River Mandovi, in a village called Reis Magos in Goa, the Reis Magos church serves as an important and popular landmark in Goa. The church stands like stunning white monument on the river banks thereby offering a beautiful sight to behold.
The Reis Magos church is very popular among the tourists especially because of the annual feast that is put up by it every year on January 6th. Dedicated to St. Jerome, this famous church in Goa was established way back in the year 1555. It is believed that the church has been constructed on the remains of an old Hindu temple, which is evident from the fact that as one enters the church through the stairs, the bas-relief lion statues welcome all, which is very common to Hindu temples. Reis Magos Church had an important place during the period of the Portugese. 2 viceroys of Goa were also buried here. The decorations of the church beautifully uphold the story of the ‘Three Wise Men’ who goes to see Baby Jesus Christ with gifts.
Located in Old Goa, Se Cathedral is 9 km away from the city of Panaji. Dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, this glorious edifice was established during the Portuguese period in India i.e. in the 16th century. While the construction of the church began in the year 1562, it was completed in 1619. After the construction of the Se Cathedral Church in Goa, it was declared as Asia’s largest church.
The architectural approach of the church is a blend of the Portuguese style and the gothic elements. While the interiors of the church showcase the Corinthian style, the exteriors uphold the Tuscan style. The church is 250 feet long with a breadth of 181 feet. The church is popular among the travelers for the giant bell called the “Golden Bell”, which is well-known for its rich tone and melody. It is also Goa’s largest bell and among the world’s best. Lovely paintings grace the walls of the church. There is a ‘Cross of Miracles’ chapel near the main altar. It is believed that in 1919 a vision of Jesus Christ appeared here and since that time, the cross hung in the church is growing slowly. This splendid church in Goa is surely a must visit for you.
Church of St. Augustine
Located on top of the Holy Hill in old Goa, Church of St. Augustine is one of the most sought after monuments among the tourist in Goa. The joint efforts of twelve Augustinians resulted in the construction of the church in 1602. A convent was also built beside the church. However, the church and the convent both were abandoned following the ban put up by the then Portuguese Government in India. At present only the remains and a tower of the Saint Augustine church remains, which was considered among the greatest of the 3 Augustinian churches. The tower of the church, which is 46 meters high, is the major attraction. Earlier it had 4 stories and was a campanile. It also had a huge bell that has now been removed to of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panaji. Further, the church was replete with 4 beautifully decorated altars and 8 chapels. After 1931, the church started deteriorating due to various natural forces and neglect. However, the tower and the portico still look splendid and draw in a number of tourists from all across the world.
St. Paul Church
St. Paul Church is located on the road to Ponda from old Goa. This ruined church was the joint effort of the 2 priests Miguel Vaz and Diogo de Borba. The church was completed on 25th of January, 1543, which is also celebrated as a day of Feast of Conversion of St. Paul.
St. Paul church also served as a well known and leading educational institute in India. Both primary and higher education was imparted by it. It also had a hospital and library. Asia’s first printing press was also set up by the St. Paul church. In 1560, the church was pulled down in order to build a new church. This however, faced a strong opposition from the Nuns of Santa Monica and the Augustinians and the building was also set fire several times in between the years 1591 to 1675. St. Francis Xavier’s mortal remains were also preserved within the church. The government in the year 1829 decided to pull down the church owing to several problems and the already dilapidated condition of the church.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is a spectacular building situated in Old Goa, 10km from Panaji. Built in between 1517-1521 AD, the church has been now changed into a museum. One can find a mix of Hindu and Christian elements in the architectural design of the church. The church was demolished soon after it was set up. The present church, which exists today in Goa, was rebuilt again in 1661. In the year 1964, the church was converted into a museum by the Indian Government, which is now used for the purpose of displaying old paintings and ancient relics. The decorations and paintings on the walls of the church will give you an Indian feel. A statue of St. Michael welcomes us right away at the entrance this beautiful church.
So those of you, who are already acquainted with the night life of the land, come and enjoy with us the bizarre contrast of Goa amidst the beautiful and rugged churches in Goa.
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